DEMURE
Reminder: This is a bit censored. Medyo lang naman po..Just prepare yourselves :) Enjoy!
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Arman arrives home late, and by chance, comes across her wife in the living area. Sandra is dressed into a dirty white colored satin robe, which is above the knee in length. She is on the couch, in a side sitting position. Knees are bent going toward the same side of the body. One hand holding the tv remote while the other is resting on her lap. The lights are in dim adding to the flashes coming from the television. Arman notices the bottle of booze, with two glasses: one is empty and untouched, while the other has little amount. They are occupying the rectangular lacquered table in front of Sandra, which he knows well is reserved only for a serious matter of conversation.
She hasn't noticed his presence since the the tv is a bit loud, not until he clears his throat purposely to catch her eyes.
She smiles when she sees him. There's something about her aura that is different. She has this ethereal aura, as always, but this time peace is added on. That smile is so demure and honest.
"You're finally back" He avoids meeting her eyes because up until the moment, he is keeping his distant. Their last conversation was two days ago when they had thrown quite rude comments about each other. And since after that argument, none of them has lowered his/her pride to bury the hatchet. In Arman's part, seeing Sandra and talking to her again is a bit overwhelming.
Her smile grows bigger and reveals the smile he is longing to see. The genuine one she used to have. And for the very first time after a long while, he catches the glimpse of its beauty again."And you're finally home" She speaks in a blissful way.
If he has forgotten about their last encounter, he would be convinced there's nothing sort of conflict between them. He would probably smile back and ask how her day was or maybe just kiss and make out, but that certainly would not happen. He puts his imagination at the back of his head and decides to answer her in an aloof way. "Are you alone here? Nasaan yung mga kasambahay? And the kids? It seems so quiet here." He keeps his smile not too obvious.
"Kids are in Tagaytay. They miss their apo daw and ask if they can spend the weekend with them. Margaret and Lynn as well. And Nanay Mina went for grocery with tatay (Mang Pedring)." Then she displays a shy smile.
"Alright" He removes his coat and hangs it on the coat stand. Next, he unties his tie but is struggled doing it.
"Do you--you mind if I do if for you?" Sandra goes closer to him (two inches apart), giving Arman a look of asking for permission. He gives her a half smile and lets her do the thing. After untying his tie, she looks at him. "Shirt too?" Sandra knows this routine, as she herself used to do this for Arman after returning from work. Next, she unbuttons his shirt, stopping after the 3rd button (on his chest) . That's how he like it. "Done." She mutters and takes a step back from him.
"Thanks" He smiles back. He remains in the same spot, waiting for Sandra to talk again.
"Can you have a word with me and join me for booze?"
That's what he has been waiting for.. He knows this will happen. Booze is for real talks. And they have done it before and always with it accompanying them. There's no doubt she wants to talk about something.
He nods as an approval. They sit next to each other, and for a while they remain silent. Still searching for the right words to open the conversation.
"Sorry" They both mutter in unison. The two look at each other, and smile under their breaths.
"Okay lang" "No worries" Again, they both speak at the same time.
"Sige, you go first" Arman, being the gentleman, gives way and lets her speak first.
